John Johnstone (1661-1732)

Dr John Johnstone, 32nd Mayor of New York, Speaker of the New Jersey Assembly

He was an apothecary (druggist) in Edinburgh when he was asked to join his future father-in-law, George Scot and his family, to sail to America in 1685. All the Scots died on the voyage except for George's daughter who then married Johnstone. He became the 32nd Mayor of New York City and Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly. He settled at Perth Amboy in New Jersey and was the father of thirteen children. Their children dropped the 'e' from their surname, becoming 'Johnston'.
Contributed by Mark Meredith on 12/12/2019 and last updated on 12/12/2019.